THE Attorney-General has called for a review of sentencing of a Reddish man convicted of killing his partner.

The country's top law office has asked appeal court judges to increase the jail term of Darren Suratan, of Jubilee Court, who battered his girlfriend to death.

Lawyers representing the Attorney-General Lord Goldsmith argued the three-and-a-half year sentence handed to Suratan was "unduly lenient" because of public concern over domestic violence committed out of "sexual jealousy".

He said jail terms of up to seven years would be appropriate. During an argument at their home Suratan repeatedly punched Sarah Lee, 33, so hard her teeth fell out, London's Criminal Court of Appeal heard.

The unemployed 35-year-old was convicted of manslaughter after a trial at Manchester Crown Court on May 28. The court was told how after the beating the victim had fallen, hit her head and suffered fatal brain injuries.

At his trial Suratan claimed he "had not laid a finger" on his partner and she had sustained her injuries solely as a result of the fall. But the sentencing judge described the crime as "quite unforgivable violence".

And today David Perry, appearing on behalf of the Attorney-General, argued domestic violence merited a heavier sentence.

Mr Perry said the crime was not a case of "slow burn" loss of control. He added: "It was a serious violence in the home; that is the place where people are entitled to feel safe.

"Society does not recognise male possessiveness as mitigation. When sentencing the court should have taken into consideration the degree of self-control that should have been exercised."

He argued Suratan's case cried out for a deterrent punishment in the public interest. It was violence against his partner and there was great public concern about offences of this nature.

Representing Suratan, Richard Marks said he was under considerable pressure because of the victim's drink problem. He added the attack had not been a sustained one, no weapon had been used and he did not have any previous convictions for violence.

Judges, who are also considering two other similar cases, have reserved their decision until a later date.